Winter Arc x Seasonal Depression
This is the perfect season to focus on working on yourself and personal growth. However, it’s also the ideal time to feel bad about your current situation as well. With very limited sunlight and the long, colder days stretching ahead, it’s completely understandable that happiness and positivity may not be the first emotions you feel when you wake up in the mornings.
Sunlight often brings a sense of joy and happiness to people's lives, creating a sense of anticipation for a beautiful and enjoyable day ahead. In contrast, cloudy or rainy days are often perceived as dreary and, at times, 'disgusting outside,' which can put a damper on our spirits. However, this perception can change dramatically if we consciously choose to adopt the right mindset. Instead of succumbing to feelings of misery and waiting for Mother Nature to graciously grant us an early arrival of spring, why not take the initiative to better yourself during these times? Consider this period as a form of human hibernation, where instead of simply sleeping through the cold months, we focus on all the various aspects of our lives that need improvement. Think about it: with the temperatures being too low to go out frequently, there is actually more time available to invest in personal development. Seize the opportunity that this less busy time frame provides— it can be remarkably productive if approached with the right attitude.
“Don’t count the days, make the days count”
—-Muhammad Ali
Nutrition
20% of fitness relies on the effort you put into physical activity, while the remaining 80% stems from what you choose to consume. Nutrition can be one of the hardest aspects of establishing and maintaining a healthier lifestyle, as it requires a level of discipline and willpower that many of us struggle to summon consistently. Engaging in crash diets is often counterproductive; they tend to lead to a quick burnout, as adhering to a regimen that you do not enjoy or may even dislike is a recipe for disaster—no pun intended. Instead, regardless of what you currently eat, which might not be the healthiest, strive to make better and more nutritious choices with each of your meals. Remember, even small changes in your diet can lead to significant improvements and big results over time.
Fitness
Start at a semi-comfortable pace and then gradually build your way up. It is important to leave that ego and insecurity at home, as they do not serve you on this journey. This is your personal journey, so take the time to learn how to enjoy it fully. Just because nutrition can sometimes feel more complicated doesn’t mean that fitness is any less challenging at times. Working out can indeed be intimidating, especially when you find yourself in a gym setting. In a room full of people who seem to know exactly what they are doing, you might feel out of place and not want to risk the possibility of embarrassment. However, let me share a little secret with you: about 70% of people in the gym don’t actually know what they’re doing or are still trying to figure it out. Remember, fitness encompasses any type of movement, so allow it to be your safe haven where you can experiment and learn through trial and error, but be sure to start at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
“If all you can do is crawl, then start crawling.”
—-RUMI
“Start wherever you are and start small”
—-Rita Bailey
Mindfulness
One thing we don’t often prioritize in our daily routines is the vital practice of mentally and spiritually cleansing our inner being. We tend to hold onto a lot of lingering thoughts and emotions that can significantly obstruct the positive mind frame you are working hard to curate. This is an important process, as releasing these negative feelings can lead to a more peaceful and focused mindset. (Fun fact: those of you who are dealing with stress, anxiety, and high blood pressure may find that taking time for meditation or simply enjoying some quality alone time will become your best friend in finding relief and balance.
Go to Sleep!
Give yourself a clear cut-off period: when the day comes to an end, make it a priority to just sleep, please. Practicing the closure of your day and enforcing these important cut-off periods can greatly enhance your overall well-being. Remember, sleep is what rejuvenates your mind and body, driving you through each day with renewed energy and focus.
“Some of us think holding on makes us strong but sometimes it is letting go.”
—-Hermann Hesse
Learn To Let Go
This is self explanatory: Let go of the things in your life that you cannot control or influence. Embrace the freedom that comes from releasing these burdens.
Understand and truly love the journey you are on. Just because this is a winter arc doesn’t mean it’s completely over once the beautiful flowers bloom for the arrival of spring. It’s a never-ending journey of personal growth and evolution, so be prepared for the spring arc, where you will have the opportunity to apply what you have learned and put those insights to the test as you graduate to the next important step in your journey.
